As you may have heard, Kanye West has a new album. As you may also have heard, it has been well-received (to put it mildly). The album that’s topped more best-of lists than any other, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy boasts such oddities as Bon Iver singing backing vocals, a Chris Rock interlude, and a 35-minute promotional video. Said video soundtracks his song “Runaway,” the album’s second single. Into the convoluted narrative West crams twisty ballet, a naked phoenix, and a Michael Jackson parade float. This high-concept oddity helped remind folks that, despite all his boorish drama, West possesses ambition few can rival.
Perhaps as a result of the video, “Runaway” has become the most-covered song off the album. It’s Kanye’s “We Used to Wait,” if you will. Though no big-name covers have cropped up (yet), the under-the-radar renditions have been coming fast. Below, we give you the five best in no particular order. Click the titles to grab the MP3s.
1. Page Three Girls – Runaway (Kanye West cover)
Layered harmonies and the whistle intro make this one a lullaby for the baby.
2. Sam Brown – Runaway (Kanye West cover)
Turning this into a duet brings out the dark, twisted romance buried deep within this one. Really, this song is just Kanye’s incredibly roundabout way of saying, “I’m sorry.”
3. Wonder Bear – Runaway (Kanye West cover)
Against all odds, this disco thumper incorporates the immortal “Imma let you finish” speech without inducing eye rolls.
4. Vanaprasta – Runaway (Kanye West cover)
Taken from a live video, the sound quality on this isn’t ideal, but the performance represents the hardest rocking version yet.
5. Mikey Chuck Rivers – Runaway (Kanye West cover)
This comes off Rivers’ free EP I’m Always Drunk. The title goes a long way towards explaining this high-speed country hoedown.
Know any other good “Runaway” covers? Post ‘em in the comments!
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